Stoke vs Newcastle preview: Magpies hoping to force Sunderland back into bottom three

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at The Britannia Stadium

(2015 Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Papiss Cisse: Following a transfer window which saw him strongly linked with a move to China, Cisse should return from a groin injury which has seen him sidelined since December. Cisse’s goal threat could be the difference between survival and relegation for the magpies this season and they will be hoping he can continue his impressive form against Stoke which has seen him score three times in four starts against the club.

Weird fact...

4: The last four Premier League meetings between these sides have produced just four goals. Two of these matches being 1-0 home wins for Stoke.

Remember when…

With six goals, two red cards and a missed penalty, this Premier League game from December 2013 is difficult to forget. Newcastle would certainly settle for a repeat of this 5-1 victory tonight.

Player to watch…

Marko Arnautovic: Arnautovic will be looking to continue his fine form after scoring both goals in his side’s win over Aston Villa on Saturday. That brace took the Austrian forward’s goal-tally to nine for the season.

Past three-meetings…

Newcastle 0 Stoke 0, Premier League, October 2015

Newcastle 1 (Colback) Stoke 1 (Crouch), Premier League, February 2015

Stoke 1 (Crouch) Newcastle 0, Premier League, September 2014

Form guide…

Stoke City: WLLLWW

Newcastle Utd: DWLLWL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 19:45

TV: Highlights on BBC1- Match of the Day 22:4